Should the main character in your romance novel have more than one flaw?
Your main character usually should have more than one flaw. A character with multiple imperfections grounds them in reality and makes them relatable. That said, not all flaws need be prominent. Some suggestions:
• Pick One Major Flaw. This will help drive the story and shape your romantic journey—this could be fear of vulnerability, pride, or low self-worth. Then add one or two secondary flaws that add texture—like impatience, sarcasm, or excessive independence.
• Ensure the Flaws Mesh. A smaller flaw can serve to reinforce a larger one—such as stubbornness underscoring a fear of change.
• Don’t Go Crazy. Too many flaws may make your character seem unstable or inconsistent. No flaws, and your main character will seem like a cardboard bot. Balance is the key.
• Female Character. For example, if your main character is a female, she may have a fear of vulnerability. She may not believe in lasting love. So she’s always keeping her guard up, never letting anyone in close, which shapes her romantic arc. The other minor flaw could be control issues. She may plan every detail of her life and job. She avoids emotional chaos, which frustrates her love interest, who is spontaneous and dislikes rules and excessive structure.
• Male Character. If your main character is a male, his main flaw could be a fear of settling down. When things get serious, he makes light of it and changes the subject. While this keeps things light, it prevents him from facing emotional depth. He may also suffer from the minor flaw of restlessness. This may make him seem exciting to be with, but it leaves those around him with the feeling of never being able to keep up with him.
• Dovetailing Characters’ Flaws. This creates an interesting dynamic. His core flaw (fear of settling down) could be challenged by her ability to make him feel both free and grounded. Then, as his secondary flaws soften, he could learn to stay grounded to face uncomfortable truths instead of constantly trying to outrun them. Both characters grow as the story progresses—each meeting in the middle to achieve vulnerability and trust.
• Pick One Major Flaw. This will help drive the story and shape your romantic journey—this could be fear of vulnerability, pride, or low self-worth. Then add one or two secondary flaws that add texture—like impatience, sarcasm, or excessive independence.
• Ensure the Flaws Mesh. A smaller flaw can serve to reinforce a larger one—such as stubbornness underscoring a fear of change.
• Don’t Go Crazy. Too many flaws may make your character seem unstable or inconsistent. No flaws, and your main character will seem like a cardboard bot. Balance is the key.
• Female Character. For example, if your main character is a female, she may have a fear of vulnerability. She may not believe in lasting love. So she’s always keeping her guard up, never letting anyone in close, which shapes her romantic arc. The other minor flaw could be control issues. She may plan every detail of her life and job. She avoids emotional chaos, which frustrates her love interest, who is spontaneous and dislikes rules and excessive structure.
• Male Character. If your main character is a male, his main flaw could be a fear of settling down. When things get serious, he makes light of it and changes the subject. While this keeps things light, it prevents him from facing emotional depth. He may also suffer from the minor flaw of restlessness. This may make him seem exciting to be with, but it leaves those around him with the feeling of never being able to keep up with him.
• Dovetailing Characters’ Flaws. This creates an interesting dynamic. His core flaw (fear of settling down) could be challenged by her ability to make him feel both free and grounded. Then, as his secondary flaws soften, he could learn to stay grounded to face uncomfortable truths instead of constantly trying to outrun them. Both characters grow as the story progresses—each meeting in the middle to achieve vulnerability and trust.
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